On May 17, 2023, Antonio Avelar, a 30-year-old autistic man, was fatally shot outside his family’s home on the East Side of Chicago. The incident occurred in the 11200 block of South Avenue O, where Avelar was hosting a yard sale to help his family.
At the time of the shooting, Avelar was near an alley when he was shot in the back. He was subsequently transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead due to his injuries.
The shooting was preceded by the sound of two shots, but security video footage did not capture the actual shooting or the person or persons responsible. Avelar's phone and wallet were found nearby, with money still in the wallet, suggesting that the shooting was not a robbery.
Chicago police are seeking the public's help in identifying a vehicle connected to the fatal shooting. They have released information about an SUV that was used in connection with the incident and are urging anyone with information to contact Area Two detectives.
Avelar's family has been vocal about their grief and their demand for justice. His sister, Anallely, described him as "an example of how every young man should be honest, fair, humble, kind, full of life, a good smile." She also expressed her deep loss, calling him her "best friend, my role model".
The case remains unsolved as of the current date, with no arrests or suspects publicly identified. The family continues to seek answers and justice for Avelar's death.
